Authorities in the Philippines rescued 169 foreign nationals from the Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, in a raid carried out in the early morning of August 31, 2024, according to The Freeman1. The operation was conducted under a Bureau of Immigration mission order and followed an escape by three Indonesians who alerted the Indonesian Embassy1.
The rescued group consisted of 69 Indonesians, 93 Chinese, six Myanmar nationals and one Malaysian1. Authorities confiscated computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices during the raid1. A simultaneous operation was carried out at the 808 SY Residence, where no one was found1.
The National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas filed complaints for qualified trafficking in persons against 16 foreign nationals and one Filipino before the Department of Justice1. The Bureau of Immigration filed a separate complaint for immigration violations, including overstaying, being undocumented and working without a valid permit, after inquest proceedings against the 169 rescued foreign nationals1. Sixteen of those charged face violations of R.A. 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 20031.
The NBI said the accused operated love scams, investment scams and other cryptocurrency frauds1. Investigators stated that Indonesians were recruited as customer care representatives but ended up at a POGO hub called XIN TIAN DI GOU JI GROUP in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga, where they were allegedly forced to work as scammers1. The affidavit described armed guards, travel documents kept by employers and work against the victims' will1.
"During the raid last August 31, authorities confiscated computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices."
A hotel worker was arrested after trying to smuggle out P8 million in cash, which NBI Agent-in-charge Arnel Pura said was intentionally placed by Chinese national Zhao Shao Qi together with rice and cooking oils1. Cantarona and the 168 foreign nationals were brought to the Presidential Anti-Crime Operation Commission in Manila on board a C130 cargo plane1.
The resort, consisting of twelve structures, and several vehicles are under an Asset Preservation Order managed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council1. The NBI said it is also investigating money laundering activities in relation to the raid1.
What it means for players
The raid took place at a resort that allegedly hosted a POGO hub, a type of offshore gambling operation that has been linked to forced labor and fraud in the Philippines. For anyone gambling in the country, legal casino and online operators are regulated separately from these operations, but the case shows how unlicensed hubs can operate behind hospitality businesses. The NBI said the accused ran love scams, investment scams and cryptocurrency frauds, which are not gambling products but are often marketed through the same channels. People who encounter job offers or investment pitches tied to POGO-style operations should treat them with caution. More on how these schemes work and how to report them is in our guide to gambling scams and safety in Asia, and the legal picture for players is covered in Can I Gamble in the Philippines?.
What happens next
The complaints for qualified trafficking in persons are before the Department of Justice1. The Bureau of Immigration filed a separate complaint for immigration violations against the 169 rescued foreign nationals1. The NBI said it is investigating money laundering in relation to the raid1. Four Filipina witnesses will be under the custody of the PAOCC and placed in the Witness Protection Program, and one foreign national who is a minor is in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-71.
